Cough cuff

ABSTRACT

A flexible cuff that releasably fastens at the elbow to protect clothing and act as an additional barrier to the spread of germs. The cuff comprises a band, a pocket, a fastener and a liner. The band encircles a wearer&#39;s arm with the pocket open across a width of the band at the inside of the elbow. The pocket comprises pleats that hold the pocket open when the elbow is bent. The pocket holds items such as tissues, handkerchiefs, wipes and the like. The liner may be permanently affixed to the pocket or removeably insertable into a pouch located in the pocket. The liner may include additional components attached to the liner at an end of the liner protruding from the pouch such that the additional component is contained within the pocket.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application claims the benefit of U.S. provisional application No. 61/253,554, filed Oct. 21, 2009, hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to devices for protecting clothing, specifically for protecting a person's sleeve and inhibiting the spread of germs when coughing or sneezing into the elbow.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Each year in the United States, seasonal influenza results in an estimated average of 36,000 deaths. Seasonal influenza greatly impacts the economy, not only with deaths but also with lost employee production for those out sick. Hospitalization rates for seasonal flu are typically 10-15% with 15-25% requiring mechanical ventilation. Pandemic influenza infects 25-40% of susceptible populations. Of those hospitalized with pandemic flu, 25-40% require ICU care. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu viruses continue to cause illness even during usually flu-free summer months.

Influenza viruses are spread from person to person when a sick person coughs or sneezes into the air spreading droplets containing the virus, or coughs or sneezes into their hands and then touches another person or an object before washing their hands. To reduce the spread of germs, the CDC has recommended that people bend their arms and cough into the bend of the elbow, not into their hands.

Unfortunately, the spread of germs still occurs using the recommended method because viruses will be contained on clothing. Contact with the clothing will cause the flu to spread, particularly in children. Changing contaminated clothing is difficult to do at work or school, so some sort of protective covering for clothing is needed. A need exists to provide a mechanism to prevent droplets from a sick person's nose and mouth from contaminating his sleeve or a bare arm.

Coughing or sneezing into a bent elbow—even with clothing—will not capture all of the droplets from being sprayed beyond the elbow. A need exists to provide a mechanism to capture droplets containing germs before they are spread to others. This need is especially important in re-circulated air environments, such as airplanes, buses, air-conditioned and heated rooms where people assemble (schools, work, etc), and the like.

A need exists for an economical and cost efficient protector that is inexpensive to allow for single use but that is also sufficiently protective to prevent soiling of clothing and to inhibit the transfer of germs.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a flexible cuff that releasable fastens to cover a sleeve or bare arm at the elbow. The cuff provides protection to clothing as well as acting as an additional barrier to the spread of germs. The band has a length sufficient to encircle a wearer's arm at the elbow. The pocket is located on a top surface of the band and has an opening across a width of the band. The pocket comprises pleats. The pocket is situated on the length of the band such that when the cuff is worn, the pocket is located near the inside of the elbow and the pleats hold the pocket open when the elbow is bent. The cuff comprises a releasable fastener. The fastener has a first part coupled to a first end of the band for releasably coupling the first end to a second end of the band.

The pocket comprises a liner. The pocket is expandable from the band at the open end across the width of the band. The pocket is structured to hold items such as tissues, handkerchiefs, wipes and the like. The pocket comprises a pouch. The liner is removeably insertable into the pouch. In an embodiment, the liner comprises an additional component formed to fit within the pocket, such as tissues, handkerchiefs, wipes and the like. Here, the liner is a stiffer piece that easily slides into the pouch. The additional component is attached to the liner at an end of the liner protruding from the pouch such that the additional item is contained within the pocket. In an embodiment, the liner is disposable. In an embodiment, the additional component is disposable. In an embodiment, the cuff is disposable.

A user wishing to impeding the spread of germs using the cuff applies the cuff at his elbow, wraps the cuff around the elbow and fastens the fastener, such that the pocket is positioned at an inner side of the elbow. The user may insert a liner with or without attached tissues, handkerchief, wipes, and the like into the pocket. In a disposable embodiment, after use, the user disposes of the liner, attached components and or the entire cuff.

The cuff has an approximately rectangular shape when unfastened. The band comprises at least two pieces. The band comprises an expandable pocket on its top side. The band comprises releasable attachment fastening means at an end of each piece for fixing the cuff around an arm of a person at the elbow.

The present invention provides a simple means to provide protection to clothing and an expandable barrier to the dispersion of germs when the invention is worn by a user. The cuff is effective and comfortable. The cuff is applied tight enough to prevent slipping, but not too tight so that it is comfortable to wear.

As used herein, “approximately” means within plus or minus 25% of the term it qualifies. The term “about” means between ½ and 2 times the term it qualifies.

The compositions and methods of the present invention can comprise, consist of, or consist essentially of the essential elements and limitations of the invention described herein, as well as any additional or optional ingredients, components, or limitations described herein or otherwise useful in compositions and methods of the general type as described herein.

Numerical ranges as used herein are intended to include every number and subset of numbers contained within that range, whether specifically disclosed or not. Further, these numerical ranges should be construed as providing support for a claim directed to any number or subset of numbers in that range or to be limited to the exact conversion to a different measuring system, such, but not limited to, as between inches and millimeters.

All references to singular characteristics or limitations of the present invention shall include the corresponding plural characteristic or limitation, and vice versa, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the reference is made.

All references to gender include reference to both male and female.

All combinations of method or process steps as used herein can be performed in any order, unless otherwise specified or clearly implied to the contrary by the context in which the referenced combination is made.

Terms such as “top,” “bottom,” “right,” “left,” “above”, “under”, “side” and the like are words of convenience and are not to be construed as limiting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIGS. 1A-1G are views of the components of the invention showing assembly.

FIG. 2 is a perspective top view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective side view of an embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 4 is perspective view of the cuff fastened around an elbow.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is a cuff comprising a pocket attached to a band having a releasable fastener. In an embodiment, the size of the cuff is determined by the size of the user. In an embodiment, the band is wider and longer for an adult than for a child. The cuff is of any suitable size, but preferably, the band comprises a length of material having a width of from about 3 inches to about 6 inches and a length from about 12 inches to about 30 inches to accommodate small to large arms. In an embodiment, the length of the band varies by the girth of the arm on which it is used. In an embodiment, the length of the band corresponds to a length represented by one of small, medium, large, X-large, XX-large, and XXX-large.

The cuff is intended to be constructed of a lightweight, thin or shear material. Accordingly, it is preferred for the cuff not to exceed 0.5 inches in thickness from the top side to the bottom side. In an embodiment, the band is from about 0.0001 to about 0.5 thick. In a disposable embodiment, the band is from about 0.0001 to about 0.01 thick.

The material used in accordance with the present invention must include several characteristics. The material must be flexible, durable, and resistant to water. The material is preferably soft to the touch. Various materials may be used for the band and the pocket, including most textile materials, polymeric materials, or any other suitable material. Disposable materials are also suitable materials, such as thin layers of thermoplastic polymeric materials, paper, recycled materials, SMS material, and the like. The cuff may comprise a single layer of material or more than one layer of material. The material is preferably sufficiently flexible so that the ends of the band can easily be manipulated to allow the ends to be positioned adjacent to each other.

The material is optionally coated with a protective plastic layer. The material may be a solid or a mesh. Reusable suitable materials are lightweight and preferably washable. Elastic materials are likewise suitable. The material for a reusable cuff may be elastic provided the elasticity allows the pocket to open when the elbow is bent. The material preferably should be sufficiently durable so as to be capable of repeated use without ripping, tearing, breaking, or otherwise failing. The material for a reusable band should be washable and not susceptible to permanent deformations. This is applicable to elasticized materials, where one of the benefits of an elasticized material lies in the ability of the material to return to its original shape. Suitable materials for reusable cuffs are preferably resistant to stains, soiling, fading, and the like, so as to be able to retain appearance after repeated use.

In a disposable embodiment, the material is a fusible interfacing (used for constructing clothing). Interfacing is low cost, does not easily tear, and provides lightweight strength and support. Additional disposable materials include, but are not limited to woven and non-woven textiles, including SMS material, spunbond polyester, spunbond polypropylene, philic & phobic fabrics, laminates, technical substrates, spunlace and the like. In an embodiment, the material is SMS. SMS provides a strong and durable fluid and particulate barrier that is comfortable, breathable, soft, and wearable. SMS is lightweight and resistant to tears and punctures.

Referring now to the drawings, there is shown in FIG. 1A-1D components and the construction of the cuff. The cuff comprises a band 10, which comprises at least two pieces 10 a, 10 b, each having a width 11 a, 11 b, a top side 12 a, 12 b, a bottom side 13 a, 13 b and a first end 14 a, 14 b and a second end 15 a, 15 b. In an embodiment, a first piece is longer than the second piece. The cuff comprises a pocket 16. As shown in FIG. 1A and FIG. 1B, the pocket may be a separate component (16) or attached to one of the pieces (16 a).

In an embodiment, the cuff comprises a liner 17. The liner 17 is attached to a bottom side of the pocket 16. In an embodiment depicted in FIG. 1B, the pocket is not a separate piece. Here, the longer piece is cut to include a trapezoid end that forms the pocket when attached to the shorter piece. If the pocket 16 is a separate component, the pocket is attached to the longer piece and the liner is secured as shown in FIG. 1C. The shorter piece is folded as shown in FIG. 1C, and each side 19 a, 19 b of the pocket is attached to a corresponding side 20 a, 20 b of the folded shorter piece so that the liner, when the cuff is constructed, is in between the folded end of the shorter piece and the bottom side of the pocket, and the pocket forms an opening across the width of the shorter piece as shown in FIG. 1D.

As shown in FIG. 2, the bottom side 13 faces towards the body of the wearer and the top side 12 faces away from the body of the wearer. In an embodiment of a reusable cuff, the band is double sided and includes elastic. In an embodiment, the distal ends of each piece are tapered such that the ends are not as wide as the middle portion of the constructed band.

The cuff comprises at least one fastener 18 for detachably attaching the ends of the band to each other in a secure and adjustable fashion. In an embodiment, the fastener is coupled to the bottom side 13 of the first end of the band 14 a and releasably attaches to the top side 12 of the second end of the band 15 b. In an embodiment, the fastener 18 has a first part coupled to a top side of the first end of the band and a second part coupled to the bottom side of the second end of the band. The fastener can be any type of fastening structure readily adaptable to the band material, including but not limited to tape, high-bond tape, strips of hook and loop fastener material, zippers, pins, snaps, hooks, eyes, buckles, ties, buttons, buttonholes, and the like. In an embodiment, the fastener is snag-free Velcro.® In an embodiment, the cuff comprises one fastener, however more than one or a combination of different types of fasteners may be employed. In an alternate embodiment, the fastener 18 a is a slit in the band. The end of the band is inserted into the slit after the band is wrapped around the arm to secure the cuff.

In an embodiment, the fastener is cooperating strips of hook and loop fastener material. In an embodiment, the width of the strips of hook and loop fastener material is slightly less than the width of the band. In an embodiment, the width of the strips of hook and loop fastener material is about ¾″ inches wide. In an embodiment, the length of the strips of hook and loop fastener material is that sufficient to securely hold the band. In an embodiment, the length of the strips of hook and loop fastener material is based on the length of the band. In an embodiment where the band is about 17″, the length of the first and second part of the hook and loop fastener material is approximately 1½″ each. Those skilled in the art will appreciate other types of fasteners, quantities, sizes and shapes of means for detachably attaching the cuff of the present invention.

The components of the cuff are coupled to each other by any suitable means, such as but not limited to mechanical methods (such as sewing, stapling, buttoning, snapping, and the like); chemical methods (such as gluing or otherwise adhering one material to another); physical methods (such as stamping, heat bonding, and weaving) and the like. In a reusable embodiment where the fastener is a hook and loop fastener, the components are coupled by sewing. In a disposable embodiment, the fastener is double sided tape and the components are coupled by heat bonding.

The fastener allows the band to form a loop when the ends are releasably engaged. The fastener overlays substantially the entire width of the band, or alternatively, only a portion thereof. The circumference of the band when fastened is adjustable so as to adjust the size of the loop formed by joining first end and second end. Adjustability of the cuff allows a user to determine tightness while securely retaining the cuff over the elbow. In an embodiment, the width of the fastener provides the adjustability. Generally, the wider the fastener, the more adjustable the cuff.

In an alternate embodiment, the fastener is coupled to only one end of the band and the cuff comprises a tab. The tab is a ring or other similar structure capable of receiving the end of the band with the fastener such that when the fastener is inserted through the tab, it can be fastened back upon itself. In an embodiment for a reusable cuff, the fastener is optional. Here, the band is a fixed loop and is held in position though friction with the clothing or using elastic. In an alternate embodiment, the fastener fastens the cuff to the clothing of the wearer.

Referring to FIG. 2, the cuff comprises an expandable pocket 16 located on the top side 12 of the band 10. In an embodiment, the unassembled pocket is trapezoid-shaped, and may be originally cut as part of one of the pieces rather than as a separate piece prior to assembly. The pocket 16 is attached to the top side 12 of the band with an open end across the width of the band. The pocket is preferably shaped, dimensioned, and attached to the top surface such that pocket is collapsed and flat prior to being attached to the wearer, and the pocket expands when the band is attached to an arm and the elbow is bent.

The pocket 16 is attached to the band 10 at each pocket side 19 a, 19 b and the pocket bottom 16 c (in the 3 piece component). The shorter piece is folded at a point equal to the depth of the trapezoid. The pocket sides are attached at each side edge 20 a, 20 b of the folded piece and the pocket bottom is attached such that the bottom of the pocket is at an approximate midpoint of the total length of the band. In an embodiment, the sides 19 a, 19 b of the trapezoid are folded to create strips that are attached to the top surface side edges 20 a, 20 b of the folded piece. The bottom side 13 a of the folded end of the shorter piece nearest the fold is attached to the bottom side 16 d of the pocket such that the folded piece serves as the inner surface 32 of the pocket.

As shown in FIG. 3, which is a side view of the band viewed at the opening of the pocket, the original trapezoid shape of the pocket when assembled to the piece creates a gusset-like structure. The pocket comprises V-shaped pleats 30 a, 30 b adjacent to each attached side of the pocket. Each apex 31 a, 31 b of each V-shaped pleat (best seen in FIG. 2) is adjacent to the closed end of the pocket and the pleats create flexibility to expand and collapse the pocket opening away from the band.

In an embodiment, prior to attaching the folded end of the shorter piece to the bottom side 16 d of the pocket, a liner 17 is inserted. The liner is any thin material that provides stiffening to the pocket to assist in the pocket staying open during use. The liner 17 also provides an additional barrier to the spread of germs when a user coughs or sneezes into his elbow. In an embodiment, the liner 17 is a soft paper product, such as a single square of toilet tissue; however, any suitable material may be used, such as cotton, paper, recycled materials, SMS material, spunbond polyester, spunbond polypropylene, philic & phobic fabrics, laminates, technical substrates, spunlace and the like. Suitable materials are those that provide a strong and durable fluid and particulate barrier and are comfortable, breathable, soft, and wearable. The liner is attached to the pocket by any suitable means, such as but not limited to mechanical methods (such as sewing, stapling, buttoning, snapping, and the like); chemical methods (such as gluing or otherwise adhering one material to another); physical methods (such as stamping, heat bonding, and weaving) and the like.

In an embodiment, the liner is removable and may be inserted and removed from a pouch 33 in the pocket. For insertable liners, the liner may comprise an additional feature, such as additional disposable tissue attached to the liner that resides in the pocket when the liner is inserted in the pouch. A user may also add free tissues, wipes and or a handkerchief to the pocket.

FIG. 4 illustrates a cuff of the present invention as it appears when the fastener is fastened at the elbow of a user. As the user coughs or sneezes into the pocket or puts tissue in the pocket, the pleats are forced outward to open the pocket and expand the edge of the pocket away from the band.

The present invention provides a simple, effective way to control the spread of germs. As shown if FIG. 4, the user places the cuff around his sleeve or bare arm at the elbow, with the opening of the pocket located at the inside of the elbow and pointed toward the user's face. The user adjusts the tightness of the cuff to a tightness preferred by the user by fastening the second end to the first end of the cuff thereby encircling the cuff around the arm. In this condition, the pocket is opened when the user bends his elbow. The user may move about without the cuff receding down the limb and may tighten or loosen the cuff with ease. The user optionally inserts tissues, or other germ catching items into the pocket.

To use the cuff, the user brings his elbow to his mouth and coughs/sneezes into the pocket. Alternatively, the user may bend over and cough/sneeze into the pocket with his arm bent by his side. When the user straightens his arm, the pocket closes to contain the germs in the pocket. After use, the user unfastens the disposable cuff and disposes of it. Multiple disposable cuffs may be packaged together in a dispenser so that a user may readily obtain a clean cuff. In using a reusable cuff, the user positions the cuff over his elbow, wears and uses the cuff with or without additional germ catching materials in the pocket, then launders the cuff when necessary.

As shown in FIG. 1A-1D, the cuff can be easily manufactured in various ways depending on the materials selected for the band, the fastener, the pocket and the liner. Manufacturing the cuff comprises, generally, assembling the various component parts. In an embodiment, two pieces of material are selected and cut from bulk to form the band pieces. In a preferred embodiment, the material is a fusible interfacing and a trapezoid-shaped end is cut at one end of the generally rectangular pieces. A first piece is folded at a point equal to the depth of the trapezoid. A single square of soft absorbable tissue is fused to the bottom side of the trapezoid and the bottom side of the folded portion of the first piece (the portion of the top side of the folded shorter piece forms the inside of the flap of the pocket). The edges of the trapezoid are joined to the edges of the top side of the folded piece and the trapezoid sides are formed into pleats. A length of two-sided tape (preferably ¼″ wide) corresponding to the width of the band is cut from bulk. The tape is coupled to a bottom side of the first piece of the band. Joining the components in construction is performed via a hot iron, glue, double stick tape, sewing and the like.

In an alternate embodiment, the fastener is a hook and loop and is sewn to the respective sides and ends. In the manufacture of an embodiment comprising a tab, the band is cut to the desired length. A first end is inserted through the ring of the tab, and secured to itself by means referred to herein. In an embodiment, the securing means is sewing. The fastener is attached to opposite sides of the band at the end opposite the tab. The fastener is attached by similar means as those described above. In an embodiment, the securing means is sewing.

In an alternate embodiment shown in FIGS. 1E-1G, the band is a single piece having two rectangular ends with a diamond-shaped (square on its side) center. The center of the diamond shape 40 is folded at a center 41 to form the opening of the pocket (FIG. 1E). In an embodiment, a liner 17 is fixed to the bottom side of the diamond shape prior to folding. Each side of the folded diamond shape is fixed to each other and to each side of the band near the diamond shape to create the pleats (FIG. 1F). FIG. 1G is a side view showing the pleats 30 on one side.

The foregoing descriptions of specific embodiments and examples of the present invention have been presented for purposes of illustration and description. They are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise forms disclosed, and obviously many modifications and variations are possible in light of the above teachings. It will be understood that the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents. The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain the principles of the invention and its practical application, to thereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention and various embodiments with various modifications as are suited to the particular use contemplated. It is therefore to be understood that within the scope of the appended claims, the invention may be practiced otherwise than as specifically described herein. 

1. A cuff for providing protection to clothing and an additional barrier to the spread of germs comprising: a band having a length sufficient to encircle a wearer's arm at the elbow; a pocket located on a top surface of the band having an opening across a width of the band, the pocket comprising pleats, the pocket placed on the length of the band such that when the cuff is worn, the pocket is located near the inside of the elbow and the pleats hold the pocket open when the elbow is bent; and a releasable fastener, the fastener having a first part coupled to a first end of the band for releasably coupling the first end to a second end of the band.
 2. The cuff of claim 1 wherein at least one of the band and the pocket are coated with a protective plastic layer.
 3. The cuff of claim 1 wherein at least one of the band and the pocket are constructed from a mesh material.
 4. The cuff of claim 1 wherein the pocket comprises a liner.
 5. The cuff of claim 4 wherein the pocket comprises a pouch and the liner is removeably insertable into the pouch.
 6. The cuff of claim 5 wherein the liner comprises an additional component formed to fit within the pocket.
 7. The cuff of claim 5 wherein the liner is disposable.
 8. The cuff of claim 6 wherein the additional component is disposable.
 9. The cuff of claim 1 wherein the cuff is disposable.
 10. A method of impeding germs using the cuff of claim 1 comprising: applying the cuff at the wearer's elbow, and wrapping the cuff around the elbow and fastening the fastener, such that the pocket is positioned at an inner side of the elbow.
 11. The method of claim 10 further comprising the step of inserting a liner into the pocket.
 12. The method of claim 11 wherein the pocket comprises a pouch and the liner is removeably insertable into the pouch.
 13. The method of claim 11 wherein the liner comprises an additional component formed to fit within the pocket.
 14. The method of claim 12 wherein the liner is disposable.
 15. The method of claim 13 wherein the additional component is disposable.
 16. The method of claim 10 wherein the cuff is disposable. 